Peace through cultural interaction: the ethnic relations in Finland and Turkey
Peace through cultural interaction: the ethnic relations in Finland and Turkey

Summary/Abstract: This paper centres on the ethnic relations in Finland and Turkey, approaching the Black Sea region from a larger geographical and cultural perspective. I will examine how the governments of these two multicultural societies maintain good relations with their linguistic and cultural minorities. Through this paper I point out how close cultural relations with the Sami people maintain the peace in Finland. Peace in this area is implemented through culture and education. I will describe how Finland is involved in the implementation of educational programmes for the Sami and how it aims at acquainting the Finnish majority with various aspects of Sami cultural traditions. Moreover, the dialogue between these two cultures plays an important role in eliminating the prejudice that has stirred up conflicts for so many decades. Since the problem of the Kurdish people in Turkey is not only a problem within the borders, but also an international problem, in this paper I look at the ways in which the aspirations of the Kurds in Turkey have an impact on cross-border minority aspirations as well. Therefore, Turkey is expected to embrace a liberal legal approach and should put emphasis on the liberalization of minority politics.

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